Arvon has called a meeting of all of the Jedi Knights that have chosen to leave the order and join his new Guardians of Peace movement. This group is now assembled in a large conference room aboard the Star Forge. Present at this gathering are Arvon; Demarak; Seraj; Jorban; Vosqa Shazeru, a redhead human woman in her late twenties; Dawi Nebachku, a bearded human man in his mid twenties; Xyla Ki Suran, an orange skinned atolpec woman in her mid twenties; and Sheya Mazuri, a green skinned mirialan woman in her early twenties.

"Thank you all for coming. This is the first meeting of the Guardians of Peace. I would like to bring the apprentices in eventually, but for this meeting, it will just be us. The Sedition used this as a conference room for officers. I felt that this would be more suitable than tying up the main briefing room on my command ship." Arvon says.

"Makes sense. This seating arrangement makes me think of the Jedi Council Chambers." Vosqa says.

"Agreed." Jorban says.

"I'm surprised you invited all of us. I'm just a vice admiral in command of one ship. This meeting feels a little too important for me." Sheya says.

"This is more than just fleet business, Sheya. We're all Guardians here, and this order is for all of us." Seraj says.

"Indeed. There will be a council of three masters- myself, Jorban, and Seraj. The rest of you will be Guardians. You'll be a part of our meetings, with a voice to be heard when matters need to be discussed." Arvon says.

"Question, if I may?" Xyla asks.

"Of course." Arvon answers.

"What exactly is the role of the Guardians of Peace?" Xyla asks.

"We will be soldiers of the Alliance with a sacred duty to use the force to ensure peace and freedom throughout the galaxy. We will not be held back by Jedi codes of conduct, and we will not have to wait for Jedi Council approval. Specific rules… will be established in the coming weeks. For now, our objective is to learn all we can about this Star Forge… and the artifacts within it." Arvon answers. He sets a glowing red pyramid on the table in front of him.

"Is that some kind of holocron?" Vosqa asks.

"A Sith Holocron to be exact. We've found three of them so far." Arvon answers.

"Sith Holocrons have been banned by the Jedi Council! They're supposed to be destroyed on sight!" Dawi says.

"We don't answer to the Jedi Council anymore, Dawi." Seraj says.

"Seraj is right. The Jedi Council fear all things contrary to Jedi teachings. The holocrons are not evil. They are just data storage devices. They contain knowledge. That's it. I intend for us to study the holocrons in great detail. That will help us to better understand the Sith so that we can ensure they never rise again." Arvon says.

"The holocrons belong to us, and we will use them! Jedi Council be damned"! Seraj says.

"I agree with Seraj! These holocrons belong to the Guardians of Peace, and we should protect them by any means necessary!" Demarak says.

"Any means necessary? I get where you're coming from, but let's discuss a hypothetical scenario. What if the Jedi Council were to send someone to destroy the holocrons? What do you think an appropriate response would be?" Arvon asks.

"Deny them clearance to enter the station, and arrest them if they try to force the issue." Demarak answers.

"So… you propose arresting a Jedi Knight. I remind you that would be illegal unless that Jedi were found to be in violation of the law." Arvon says.

"Interfering with a military operation in a time of war is illegal." Seraj says.

"We are no longer at war, Seraj." Xyla says.

"Technically, we are. I still have my emergency authority, and the senate hasn't legally declared the war over yet. Therefore, all wartime rules still apply. If the Jedi Council were to send someone here, we could legally deny them clearance to board the station. The Jedi Council could technically appeal the order, but I don't see that happening. The traditional masters are a minority on the council, and Master Varn keeps them in check for the most part. Hopefully… things stay that way." Arvon says.

"And if they don't?" Seraj asks.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Now, speaking of the senate, I do have some good news. I've been informed that a bill ending my emergency authority has failed in the Armed Forces Committee." Arvon says.

"So you'll keep your authority." Seraj says.

"For now anyway." Arvon says.

"What about the High Command bill we've been hearing about?" Vosqa asks.

"The bill to reactivate the High Command passed in the committee… and will go to the full senate for a vote. As for when it will be voted on, too soon to say. Even if the High Command is restored, their authority would be limited while the Emergency Powers Act is in effect. They'd be little more than an advisory board. So, not really an issue. Not at this time anyway." Arvon answers.

"Is the senate still debating the status of the Star Forge?" Seraj asks.

"They are. There is a proposal from Senator Noket of Masgaron to turn the Star Forge over to a civilian governor with a minimal fleet presence. He wants to turn this place into essentially… a library." Arvon answers.

"Damn fool!" Seraj says.

"Fortunately for us, Senator Noket is from a minor party with only a few seats. I don't expect his proposal to get much traction. However, other such proposals could happen. It's too soon to say anything definitive on that." Arvon says.

"We don't know what the Senate will ultimately decide. We should take matters into our own hands." Demarak says.

"How?" Arvon asks.

"We should keep this station… by any means necessary. The best way to guarantee that… is to remove the pacifists from the Senate and install more… agreeable replacements." Demarak says.

"You're talking about removing government officials by force. That's treason. I won't authorize it. There's a legal mechanism for removing senators from office, and that's the only way senators will be removed from office." Arvon says.

"Treason against a broken system! We have the means at our disposal to bring about great change! Necessary change! We should seize the Senate and the Jedi Council! You'll keep your emergency powers permanently, and we will have the power to do what needs to be done!" Demarak says.

"That's one of the most absurd ideas I've ever heard! We're supposed to defend the Alliance! Not try to take it over! Why are we even entertaining this option?" Xyla asks.

"We are not." Arvon says.

"What if they vote to take this station away from us? What if they vote… to destroy it?" Demarak asks.

"The Senate… will vote as it votes." Arvon says.

"So… you would just allow it?" Demarak asks.

"What I will not allow… is insurrection against our lawful government. There are legal means to ensure we keep this station, and those are the only means I will authorize." Arvon answers.

"Our options are limited, Arvon. Do you really want the senate to take this station from us?" Demarak asks.

"No, I don't! But I will not resort to dishonorable tactics just to get the results I want!" Arvon says.

"Do we even need the Senate anymore? We have the ships and the resources to ensure order and the sectors can administer themselves with no bureaucracy! That's what we should be doing! Like the old Empire! Declare martial law! Remove the Senate and the Jedi Council!" Demarak says.

"Careful, Demarak. What you're saying could be considered treason." Jorban says.

"It's not treason if it's right!" Demarak says.

"Who decides what's right? You?" Arvon asks.

"Vala's sentiments are interfering with your judgement! She weakens you!" Demarak says.

"Enough!" Arvon says, slamming his fist on the table in front of him. Xyla stands up, and points at Demarak.

"As a citizen of the Kingdom of Aquilae, I will not stand for this slander against Princess Vala!" Xyla says.

"Sit down, Xyla. The grown ups are talking here." Demarak says.

"You think you're a 'grown up'? Fung dao ka! Murderer!" Xyla says.

"Xyla… stand down." Arvon says.

"With respect… I cannot let this conduct go. My grandfather represents Atolpec on the Aquilae High Council… and frequently speaks with Queen Senatha. All I have to do is report this to him, and… let's just say… I expect the Queen would be very interested in hearing Demarak's remarks about her daughter." Xyla says.

"Xyla, I realize your grandfather has a great deal of influence on Aquilae, and I commend you for your loyalty to your queen and her family, but you will do nothing of the kind. I know Senatha. If this gets to her, she'll send enforcers after Demarak. With orders to kill. Is that what you want?" Xyla asks.

"No, of course not!" Xyla says.

"Then, let me address this situation. Is that understood?" Arvon asks.

"Understood." Xyla answers.

"Thank you. Now, I think it's best if we end things here. We can try again tomorrow… after everyone has had time to cool off. With the exception of Demarak, you're all dismissed." Arvon says.


Everyone leaves the conference room except for Arvon and Demarak.

"Can you believe that girl? Thinking she can threaten me? Pathetic!" Demarak says.

"You don't have many friends left. If you want to keep counting me as one of them, you'll never say anything like that about Vala again." Arvon says.

"Just general frustration of our circumstances… and I let it get the better of me. I didn't mean it." Demarak says.

"Oh, I think you did. It's no secret you don't like Vala. That fact… I've come to accept. But, what I won't accept is disrespect toward Vala… or any talk about a coup against the Senate. We just defeated an empire. I have no desire to create one of my own." Arvon says.

"An empire could be used for good, couldn't it?" Demarak asks.

"Theoretically, yes. But, I'm no emperor, and I don't ever intend to be." Arvon answers.

"If it ever came to it… you would make a good one." Demarak says.

"You just… don't get it. You act as if you are still my chief of staff. Free to say whatever you please. Even in a meeting. No. No more. It's obvious to me now that relieving you of your command wasn't enough. You have learned nothing from that…. So it's time for a lesson in humility, I think." Arvon says.

"What… do you mean?" Demarak asks.

"The Second Division will be back from its patrol in two days. At that time, you'll start your new assignment on the Endurance… with the rank of commander." Arvon says.

"You're demoting me?" Demarak asks.

"I've got a lot of political pressure on me to make an example of you… and your comments during the meeting forced my hand." Arvon answers.

"I… can't believe you're doing this! After everything we've been through! Almost thirty years of friendship!" Demarak says.

"If you weren't my friend, you'd be in a cell awaiting court martial. That… was in fact the Chancellor's recommendation, but he's ultimately left the matter up to me. For now anyway." Arvon says.

"I see. You've undoubtedly spoken to Vala on this matter. I'm sure her influence played a part in this decision as well." Demarak says.

"You disobeyed orders and carried out suicide droid attacks… which might end up leading to terrorism charges if some people in the Senate and the Ministry of Justice get their way." Arvon says.

"That would mean the death penalty…" Demarak says.

"It won't come to that." Arvon says.

"Can you guarantee that… without martial law?" Demarak asks.

"Guarantee? No." Arvon answers.

"That's the issue, isn't it? You have all this authority given to you legally… and you don't intend to use it. This war we just fought… had to be for a reason. More than just stopping a rebellion. Our goal is clear. Ensure peace and security using our fleet… and the resources of this Star Forge. I hope you realize what needs to be done before it's too late." Demarak says.

"All legal options will be taken into consideration." Arvon says.

"That's a start I suppose." Demarak says.

"I know you're not happy with my decision. It doesn't take the force to tell me that. Now, I will give you two choices. Accept your new assignment… or sit in a holding cell until your court martial." Arvon says.

"I will… accept the assignment." Demarak says.

"You're suspended from active duty until you get your orders to report to the Endurance. That will be all, commander. Dismissed." Arvon says.

Arvon sits down at the conference table, facing away from Demarak. Sensing the conversation is over, Demarak leaves.


A few hours later, Arvon is in his Star Forge office, reviewing a datapad. The door chime sounds, and he opens the door. Seraj enters.

"Seraj. What can I do for you?" Arvon asks.

"Permission to speak freely?" Seraj asks.

"Granted." Arvon answers.

"I can't believe you demoted Demarak! I can't believe you would do that to a friend!" Seraj says.

"If Demarak weren't my friend, he'd be in a holding cell awaiting court martial. Which is in fact what the Chancellor recommended." Arvon says.

"Yet, he left it up to you." Seraj says.

"He left it up to me." Arvon says.

"And this… is what you chose." Seraj says.

"I know Demarak's your friend too, and you have every right to advocate for him, but this is my decision, and I've made it." Arvon says.

"Would you be open to any alternatives?" Seraj asks.

"Sorry, Seraj. Not this time. I'm going to have to be firm on this decision. It's for his own good." Arvon answers.

"I don't agree… but I'll accept it." Seraj says.

"This is… temporary. I want to give Demarak some time to learn some humility. Actions have consequences. I need him to learn that. For now… he'll serve on the Endurance. He'll report to Vala and Admiral Desaro." Arvon says.

"I see. He obviously made you angry enough to slam your fist on the table. I haven't seen you get angry like that very often. You're usually so restrained." Seraj says.

"What he said about Vala is a step too far." Arvon says.

"Oh, I agree that it was inappropriate. But, surely you could have addressed it differently?" Seraj asks.

"His comments about the Senate were also out of line. I can't have that kind of talk. Not even in private." Arvon says.

"I'm not saying I agree with everything Demarak says, but… maybe the system should be questioned. The bureaucracy is slow and inefficient." Seraj says.

"That may be so, but it's the system we have. We don't need to overthrow the Senate. We can change it. Legally." Arvon says.

"What do you suggest?" Seraj asks.

"I have the ASB investigating the Senate. So far they have found incriminating evidence of illegal activity against several senators. If the evidence is sufficient, I could use my emergency authority to remove these senators from office and hold special elections to replace them." Arvon says.

"While martial law… would allow you to just suspend the entire Senate, wouldn't it?" Seraj asks.

"Yes, but I will only consider martial law as a last resort." Arvon answers.

"I hate to say it, but martial law… may be necessary. As long as you still have emergency authority, it would… be legal." Seraj says.

"Even if it became necessary… it would still feel wrong to me. I think it's too soon to pursue any kind of drastic action against the Senate. For now… I will let the investigation run its course." Arvon says.

"Understood." Seraj says.

"While I do have you here I would like to ask you something." Arvon says.

"Of course." Seraj says.

"My responsibility is to the entire fleet. I can't stay on this station forever. I'll eventually have to turn command over to someone else… and I'd like that to be you." Arvon says.

"You want… me to command the Star Forge?" Seraj asks.

"That's right. I need someone I can trust running this station, and you're my first choice. So, what do you say?" Arvon asks.

"It's certainly unexpected… but I'm honored that you would trust me with such an important duty." Seraj answers.

"It is important. Perhaps to the future of the entire galaxy." Arvon says.

"I won't let you down." Seraj says.

"I know you won't. I'll stay on for a while and help you get ready. Maybe you'll be running this place on your own in a week or two." Arvon says.

"Looking forward to it." Seraj says.

"There are a few vacant offices on the level below. Feel free to pick any one of those you like. I'll also be having a status briefing in the level 5 conference room at 1600. I'd like you to be there." Arvon says.

"Of course." Seraj says.

"Well, I'd better let you get to it then. Dismissed." Arvon says. The two salute each other, then Seraj leaves.


Outside Arvon's office, Demarak is waiting. Seraj approaches him.

"He wouldn't budge. Wouldn't even consider other options." Seraj says.

"As I suspected." Demarak says.

"There are vacant offices one level down. We can… discuss this in private." Seraj says.

"Lead the way." Demarak says.


Demarak and Seraj make their way to one of the vacant offices.

"We need to be careful being seen together. Lest we raise suspicions." Demarak says.

"Some people think we're romantically involved. I don't see any issue." Seraj says.

"Such a rumor could work to our advantage. Frequent private meetings… would not seem out of the ordinary." Demarak says.

"I was thinking the same thing." Seraj says.

"You were right about Arvon. He is not the friend I thought he was. I do not understand the decisions he makes… nor do I care any longer." Demarak says.

"Arvon is playing it safe as far as the Senate is concerned. He is waiting for the ASB to complete their investigations before taking any further action. He says that martial law… is wrong to him." Seraj says.

"Vala has made him soft." Demarak says.

"That's for damn sure. I… can't believe he demoted you. I thought a bond of friendship would mean something to a Mandalorian!" Seraj says.

"He cares about pleasing Vala more than everything else. Even his duty." Demarak says.

"If we want to guarantee peace and security… we may have to move against Arvon and take this station from him." Seraj says.

"After what Arvon just did to me… I agree." Demarak says.

"Arvon will be turning command of the Star Forge over to me… once he believes I am ready. Once I know this place top to bottom, I can use that." Seraj says.

"I'll have to play the part of a 'good soldier' until the time is right." Demarak says.

"Maybe in time… I could have enough influence to get you assigned here." Seraj says.

"At least Arvon has enough sense to give you command of the station. As for me, Vala… will probably push for my court martial once she returns. She will be a problem." Demarak says.

"I'm sure neither of us have a problem with killing Vala if need be…" Seraj says.

"No. Killing her is too simple. That's not how we play this. We… discredit Arvon. Weaken his influence. If Arvon were to betray the Alliance… it would break Vala. She's always been emotionally unstable. Fragile… and weak." Demarak says.

"So… you mean to destroy her… mentally? Emotionally?" Seraj asks.

"Yes. She will bear witness to Arvon's downfall. And his betrayal of everything she believes in will be a far greater pain than any kind of torture. That is what I want for Vala Skywalker." Demarak answers.

"Arvon will not betray her. He worships that stuck up bitch." Seraj says.

"He doesn't have to actually betray her. He merely has to appear to. That will be enough." Demarak says.

"If Arvon and Vala were both out of the picture… that would likely put Jorban in charge. If that were to happen, he could theoretically reinstate you as Chief of Staff. He'd have the title of Supreme Commander… but it would actually be you in charge." Seraj says.

"We will have to use Arvon for a while. It will have to appear that he is still in command. Arvon's armor is easy enough to duplicate. So is his voice." Demarak says.

"You mean use a double." Seraj says.

"Exactly. A droid is probably the best candidate." Demarak says.

"Agreed. Jorban at the very least could be a fall guy for us. He could be tricked into enforcing bogus orders that appear to come from Arvon." Seraj says.

"One minor issue with that idea. You'll need Arvon's signature code." Demarak says.

"I think I can handle that. I'll just have to get access to the main computer on Arvon's Command Ship. I got a program from a slicer who owed me a few favors and I think it might do the trick." Seraj says.

"I'll leave the details of that operation to you. We will also need allies. You'll have to handle most of that as well. My influence will be more… limited for the time being, but I would start with Admiral Denon if I were you." Demarak says.

"Admiral Denon?" Seraj asks.

"Pretends to be the loyal solider but secretly despises Arvon and Vala. He believes they didn't go far enough with the Sedition during the war." Demarak answers.

"If we could get Denon… that would be a big help. Many in service respect him as veteran battle commander. I know for sure I could get Sheya on board. She is my former padawan, and also happens to despise Vala as much as I do." Seraj says.

"Good choice." Demarak says.

"It might also be wise of us to take the opportunity to weaken Vala's position in the fleet while she is away." Seraj says.

"I agree. We'll have to convince Jorban to authorize reassignment of some of Vala's people. I know Desaro will object. Strongly. We may have to remove him from his post." Demarak says.

"It won't stick. He'll be reinstated as soon as Vala gets back." Seraj says.

"I am aware of that. But Vala will be so occupied with putting her ship back the way she wants it… that we will be able to set things in motion without her notice." Demarak says.

"I hope you're right." Seraj says.